Securing, analyzing, and transmitting notification and delivery of mail, mail receipt, and mailbox tampering

ABSTRACT

A method, system and apparatus are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a system for monitoring a mailbox is provided. The system may include a mailbox device including at least one sensor, such as a video camera, for detecting movement, and a mailbox communication interface configured to communicate information including sensor information generated by the at least one sensor. The system may further include a premises device including a premises communication interface configured to receive the sensor information from the mailbox device and processing circuitry configured to determine whether a mailbox event has occurred and trigger at least one alert if a mailbox event occurred. The system may further provide notification of the event to an authorized entity via mobile device, voice assistant, etc. An access control unit may be used to limit access to the mailbox to authorized individuals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.Utility patent application Ser. No. 16/688,455, filed on Nov. 19, 2019,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/771,724, filed Nov. 27, 2018, entitled SENDING, RECEIVING, RECORDING,AND ANALYZING NOTIFICATION AND EVIDENCE OF MAIL DELIVERY, MAIL RECEIPT,AND MAILBOX TAMPERING, the entireties of both which are incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to monitoring systems, and in particularto mailbox surveillance.

BACKGROUND

The mailbox delivery notification industry is a developing industry.Existing systems for “secure delivery” of mail lack basic features andfunctionality. Mail delivered into a mailbox should be safe and secure,but that is not always the case. In fact, there is a United Statesfederal law that prohibits people from opening another's mail generallystating that: mailboxes are considered federal property, and it isagainst the law to vandalize a mailbox or to open any mail deposited init before those items are delivered to the addressee. However, there areno specific rules about opening someone's mailbox when you don't intendto open or destroy the letters. Regardless of the law, each year, thereare numerous cases of mail theft that occur, costing victims time,money, and loss of property.

In particular, the U.S. Postal Service has stated that while the vastmajority of the mail it delivers arrives intact, thieves persist intheir efforts to steal it. Postal inspectors have teamed with the U.S.Postal Service to devise new security strategies that thwart thieves,yet some of these strategies fall short.

Further, as consumers continue to shift purchases from brick-and-mortarretail to e-commerce, delivery of packages on consumers' doorsteps andinside their mailboxes is expected to increase in tandem. Some havepredicted a 15% growth in sales and total value for online shopping,while offline may only have a 4.5% increase, where 51% of all consumers,67% of Millennials, and 56% of Generation X people prefer shoppingonline rather than in-store.

There are many types of information included on mail/packages that arevaluable, private and/or sensitive: bank account numbers, checks,personal identification numbers, prescription pills, packages, etc. Eachof these could cause substantial harm to an individual if they got intothe wrong hands. For example, a criminal gathering personal informationfrom a mailbox could potentially steal someone's identity. Or, acriminal could steal a check from a mailbox, causing the victim to beout of money, while also causing them additional work as they try tosort out the problem with their bank, insurance company, etc. In allthese cases, the harm could be severe and expensive to the victim, intime, money, and personal damage.

Several companies have devised solutions to address the problem of mailtheft. Some of these existing systems use a sensor, like the traditionaldoor/window sensor in a burglar alarm, to detect when a mailbox has beenopened, and then communicate the signal, either wired or wirelessly, toa receiver, which translates the signal into an understandable format(i.e., LED light, auditory sound, etc.). In some of these existingsystems, the opening and closing of the mailbox may trigger an audiblesound or spoken voice inside the home through a dedicated speaker. Inother cases, some existing systems have taken a traditional wirelessdoor/window sensor and tried to make it work as a “smart deliverynotification” system. The downside of this setup may be (1) the sensorhas limited range (since it was designed to operate near the basestation), (2) the system sends notification any time the mailbox isopened or closed as there is no intelligence tied to the mailbox alertsystem, causing the system to send many potentially unimportant alertsto the user, and (3) there may be no video evidence if a crime iscommitted.

Furthermore, with existing solutions, users only receive alerts of theirmailbox opening or closing through an audible sound or visual cue insidetheir home, or on the mailbox. Communication of the event is confinedwithin the home and there is no way to receive mobile alerts of theevent that took place at the mailbox (without using a wirelessdoor/window sensor beyond its intended use). Additionally, many of theexisting systems may require the user to purchase an additional speakerfor audible notification. Today, there are many consumers who havepersonal voice assistant speakers within their homes (Amazon Echo,Google Home, Apple HomePod, etc.). The existing mailbox notificationsystems do not integrate with any of the personal voice assistantspeakers available in the market.

SUMMARY

There are currently no solutions in the market that tie together a videocamera with a mailbox open/close sensor. As such, while users mightreceive a notification that their mailbox has been opened, they mightnot have video evidence of who took the mail/package, makingidentification of burglars much more difficult. Finally, there is noexisting solution that ties together artificial intelligence withmailbox alerts to reduce the number of irrelevant alerts, which maycause a bad user experience and potential user apathy in the case wherea notable event does occur.

Some existing companies are investing heavily in video doorbellsolutions and are beginning to provide neighborhood watch programs basedon these video doorbells, which allow neighbors to share videos with oneanother. A mailbox notification system, like the one described herein,may complement these existing video doorbell systems, and neighborhoodwatch programs, since it could provide protection against package theft,as well as video evidence in case a crime has been committed.

One or more embodiments described herein help make a traditional mailbox“smart”, giving the user improved awareness over their personalproperty, so they can make more informed decisions about their mailboxcontents and as well as improve their mailbox security.

The Smart Mailbox Notification system described herein ties together oneor more sensors (e.g., door/window sensor) and a long-range radio (e.g.,transmitter, receiver and/or transceiver), which can communicate with avariety of systems, including home security and automation systems,personal voice assistant speakers, lighting systems, etc. There may alsobe artificial intelligence built into the system which helps users byimproving the content of notifications and reducing the number ofirrelevant notifications.

Some embodiments advantageously provide methods, systems, andapparatuses for mailbox surveillance. In one or more embodiments, asystem for monitoring a mailbox is provided. The system includes amailbox device including at least one sensor for detecting movement, anda mailbox communication interface configured to communicate informationincluding sensor information generated by the at least one sensor. Thesystem includes a premises device including a premises communicationinterface configured to receive the sensor information from the mailboxdevice, and processing circuitry configured to determine whether amailbox event has occurred, and trigger at least one alert if themailbox event occurred.

In one or more embodiments, the mailbox device further includes at leastone video capture device, the information communicated to the premisesdevice includes video captured by the video capture device. In one ormore embodiments, the at least one video capture device includes a firstvideo capture device configured to capture video of the exterior of themailbox and a second video capture device configured to capture video ofthe interior of the mailbox. In one or more embodiments, the mailboxcommunication interface is further configured to receive wirelesssignals for identifying a person proximate the mailbox.

In one or more embodiments, wireless signals are one selected from agroup of near field communication signals, global positioning signalsand BLUETOOTH signals. In one or more embodiments, the premises deviceis configured to integrate with at least one electronic personal voiceassistant for providing an audible indication of the at least one alert.In one or more embodiments, the determining whether the mailbox eventoccurred includes analyzing a frequency and timing of mailbox openingsand closings detected by the at least one sensor.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a premises security systemfor monitoring a mailbox is provided. The premises security systemcomprises a mailbox device including at least one sensor, each of the atleast one sensor configured to generate corresponding sensorinformation, a mailbox communication interface configured to communicateinformation including the sensor information generated by the at leastone sensor and a premises device in communication with the mailboxdevice. The premises device includes a premises communication interfaceconfigured to receive the sensor information from the mailbox device andprocessing circuitry configured to determine, based on mailbox alertcriteria, whether a mailbox event has occurred and trigger at least onealert if the mailbox event occurred.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the mailbox devicefurther includes at least one video capture device, the sensorinformation communicated to the premises device including video capturedby the video capture device.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the at least onevideo capture device includes a first video capture device configured tocapture video of the exterior of the mailbox and a second video capturedevice configured to capture video of the interior of the mailbox.According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the mailboxcommunication interface is further configured to receive wirelesssignals for identifying a person proximate to the mailbox. According toone or more embodiments of this aspect, the wireless signals are atleast one of near field communication signals, global positioningsignals and BLUETOOTH signals.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the premises deviceis configured to integrate with at least an electronic personal voiceassistant for providing an audible indication of the at least one alert.According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, determining whetherthe mailbox event occurred includes analyzing a frequency and timing ofmailbox openings and closings detected by the at least one sensor.According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the mailbox devicefurther comprises an access control unit affixed to the mailbox whichlimits access to the mailbox.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a mailbox device formonitoring a mailbox is provided. The mailbox device comprises at leastone sensor, the at least one sensor configured to detect opening andclosing of the mailbox and generate corresponding sensor information,and at least one video capture device configured to capture video in aresponse to the sensor information of the at least one sensor.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the mailbox devicefurther comprises a mailbox communication interface configured tocommunicate information including the sensor information generated bythe at least one sensor. According to one or more embodiments of thisaspect, the mailbox device further comprises processing circuitry incommunication with at least one of the at least one sensor and at leastone video capture device. The processing circuitry is configured todetermine whether a mailbox event has occurred by analyzing a frequencyand timing of mailbox openings and closings detected by the at least onesensor; and trigger at least one alert if the mailbox event occurred.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the at least onevideo capture device includes a first video capture device configured tocapture video of the exterior of the mailbox and a second video capturedevice configured to capture video of the interior of the mailbox.According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the mailboxcommunication interface is further configured to receive wirelesssignals for identifying a person proximate to the mailbox, the wirelesssignals including at least one of near field communication signals,global positioning signals and BLUETOOTH signals. According to one ormore embodiments of this aspect, the mailbox device is configured tointegrate with at least one electronic personal voice assistant forproviding an audible indication of the at least one alert. According toone or more embodiments of this aspect, the mailbox device furthercomprises an access control unit affixed to the mailbox which limitsaccess to the mailbox.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a method of monitoring amailbox is provided. The method comprises detecting movement inproximity to the mailbox, communicating an indication of the detectedmovement to a premises device, determining if a mailbox event hasoccurred based upon the indication of the detected movement andtriggering at least one alert if a mailbox event occurred.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the method furthercomprises detecting opening and closing of the mailbox and determiningif a mailbox event has occurred based upon the detected opening andclosing of the mailbox. According to one or more embodiments of thisaspect, the indication further comprises video captured by the mailboxdevice. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, theindication further comprises captured video of the exterior of themailbox and captured video of the interior of the mailbox.

According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the method furthercomprises identifying a person proximate to the mailbox. According toone or more embodiments of this aspect, identifying a person proximateto the mailbox further comprises receiving a wireless signal thatidentifies the person proximate to the mailbox. According to one or moreembodiments of this aspect, the method further comprises sending anindication to at least one electronic personal voice assistant toprovide an audible indication of the at least one alert. According toone or more embodiments of this aspect, the method further compriseslimiting access to an interior of the mailbox to authorized users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present embodiments, and theattendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readilyunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system according to theprinciples in the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method according to someembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary method according tosome embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary method according tosome embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example embodiment according to someembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a detailed view of the mailbox of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of another example embodiment of the mailbox andmailbox device according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of another example embodiment of the mailbox andmailbox device according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a detailed view of the fields of view of thesensors of mailbox device according to some embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of other example embodiments of the mailbox andmailbox device according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a detailed view of the sensors of mailbox deviceaccording to some embodiments of the prevent invention; and

FIG. 12 is a diagram of another example embodiment of the mailbox andmailbox device having an access control unit according to someembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that theembodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components andprocessing steps related to mailbox surveillance and/or monitoring.Accordingly, components have been represented where appropriate byconventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specificdetails that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not toobscure the invention with details that will be readily apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the descriptionherein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top”and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entityor element from another entity or element without necessarily requiringor implying any physical or logical relationship or order between suchentities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singularforms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms aswell, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be furtherunderstood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or“including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof.

In embodiments described herein, the joining term, “in communicationwith” and the like, may be used to indicate electrical or datacommunication, which may be accomplished by physical contact, induction,electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling oroptical signaling, for example. One having ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that multiple components may interoperate andmodifications and variations in the manner of achieving the electricaland data communication are possible.

In some embodiments described herein, the term “coupled,” “connected,”and the like, may be used herein to indicate a connection, although notnecessarily directly, and may include wired and/or wireless connections.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms used herein should be interpreted ashaving a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context ofthis specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted inan idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Referring now to the drawing figures, in which like elements arereferred to by like reference numerals, there is shown in FIG. 1 asystem for mailbox alert determination and notification, generallyreferred to as system 10. System 10 includes one or more premises 12 andone or more mailboxes 14. In one or more embodiments, mailbox 14 maygenerally refer to a structure that is configured to at leasttemporarily store one or more articles, packages, etc. Premises 12includes premises device 16, and mailbox 14 includes mailbox device 18.

Premises device 16 includes software 20 that may be executable byhardware 22 as described herein. Hardware 22 may include a communicationinterface 24 that is configured to communicate with mailbox 14 and/orone or more other systems (e.g., home security and automation systems,personal voice assistant speakers, lighting systems, etc. which may belocated at the premises 12) via one or more wireless communicationprotocols. In one or more embodiments, the communications includes data,instructions, etc. initiated by the mailbox 14 and/or premises device16.

In the embodiment shown, the hardware 22 of the premises device 16further includes processing circuitry 26. The processing circuitry 26may include a processor 28 and a memory 30. In particular, in additionto or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, andmemory, the processing circuitry 26 may comprise integrated circuitryfor processing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/orprocessor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/orASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to executeinstructions. The processor 28 may be configured to access (e.g., writeto and/or read from) the memory 30, which may comprise any kind ofvolatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memoryand/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/oroptical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Thus, the premises device 16 further has software 20 stored internallyin, for example, memory 30, or stored in external memory (e.g.,database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible bypremises device 16 via an external connection. The software 20 may beexecutable by the processing circuitry 26. The processing circuitry 26may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processesdescribed herein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes to beperformed, e.g., by premises device 16. Processor 28 corresponds to oneor more processors 28 for performing premises device 16 functionsdescribed herein. The memory 30 is configured to store data,programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. Insome embodiments, the software 20 may include instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor 28 and/or processing circuitry 26, causes theprocessor 28 and/or processing circuitry 26 to perform the processesdescribed herein with respect to premises device 16. For example,processing circuitry 26 of the premises device 16 may include triggeringunit 32 configured to trigger one or more alerts as described herein.

Mailbox device 18 includes software 34 that may be executable byhardware as described herein. Hardware 36 includes communicationinterface 38 that is configured to communicate with premises device 16via one or more wireless communication protocols (e.g., long rangecommunication protocols). In one or more embodiments, the communicationsincludes data, instructions, etc. initiated by the mailbox 14 and/orpremises device 16.

In the embodiment shown, the hardware 36 of the mailbox device 18further includes processing circuitry 40. The processing circuitry 40may include a processor 42 and a memory 44. In particular, in additionto or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, andmemory, the processing circuitry 40 may comprise integrated circuitryfor processing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/orprocessor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/orASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to executeinstructions. The processor 42 may be configured to access (e.g., writeto and/or read from) the memory 44, which may comprise any kind ofvolatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memoryand/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/oroptical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Thus, the mailbox device 18 further has software 34 stored internallyin, for example, memory 44, or stored in external memory (e.g.,database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible bymailbox device 18 via an external connection. The software 34 may beexecutable by the processing circuitry 40. The processing circuitry 40may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processesdescribed herein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes to beperformed, e.g., by mailbox device 18. Processor 42 corresponds to oneor more processors 42 for performing mailbox device 18 functionsdescribed herein. The memory 44 is configured to store data,programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. Insome embodiments, the software 34 may include instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor 42 and/or processing circuitry 40, causes theprocessor 42 and/or processing circuitry 40 to perform the processesdescribed herein with respect to mailbox device 18. For example,processing circuitry 40 of the mailbox device 18 may include informationunit 46 configured to communicate information related to one or moresensors 48 as described herein. Sensors 48 may include one or more ofmotion sensors, video sensors (e.g., video capture devices), infraredsensors, etc. In one or more embodiments, one or more sensors 48 aremounted on one or more portions of a door of the mailbox 14. In one orembodiments, one or more sensors 48 are mounted on one or more portionsof the mailbox 14 such as mounted at least on the top portion of themailbox 14. In one or more embodiments, one or more sensors 48 aremounted, i.e., removably affixed, to one or more other portions of themailbox 14 and/or proximate the mailbox 14 such as to provide one ormore views of the mailbox 14 and/or inside the mailbox 14.

In the embodiment shown, the hardware 36 of the mailbox device 18further includes access control unit 50. Access control unit 50 mayinclude a locking mechanism that is selectively controlled using inputsfrom software 34, communication interface 38, sensor 48 and/orprocessing circuitry 40. The access control unit 50 may be configured tolimit access to the mailbox to authorized entities as described herein.

Although FIG. 1 shows various “units” such as triggering unit 32, andinformation unit 46 as being within a respective processor, it iscontemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portion ofthe unit is stored in a corresponding memory within the processingcircuitry. In other words, the units may be implemented in hardware orin a combination of hardware and software within the processingcircuitry.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a premises device 16 inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention. One or moreBlocks and/or functions performed by premises device 16 may be performedby one or more elements of premises device 16 such as by triggering unit32 in processing circuitry 26, processor 28, communication interface 24,etc. In one or more embodiments, premises device 16 such as via one ormore of processing circuitry 26, processor 28 and communicationinterface 24 is configured to at least receive (Block S100) sensorinformation. In one or more embodiments, premises device 16 such as viaone or more of processing circuitry 26, processor 28 and communicationinterface 24 is configured to at least determine (Block S102) whether amailbox event has occurred. In one or more embodiments, premises device16 such as via one or more of processing circuitry 26, processor 28 andcommunication interface 24 is configured to trigger (Block S104) atleast one alert if the mailbox event occurred. In one or moreembodiments the determination whether a mailbox event occurred is basedon a predefined criteria or criteria and/or predefined one or more rulesthat may be used to evaluate and/or analyze (e.g., compare sensorinformation with a criteria) the sensor information.

In one or more embodiments, the mailbox device 18 further includes atleast one video capture device (such as at least one sensor 48) wherethe information communicated to the premises device 16 includes videocaptured by the video capture device. In one or more embodiments, the atleast one video capture device includes a first video capture deviceconfigured to capture video of the exterior of the mailbox 14 and asecond video capture device configured to capture video of the interiorof the mailbox 14 where the delivered articles (e.g., mail) are placed.

In one or more embodiments, the mailbox communication interface 24 isfurther configured to receive wireless signals for identifying a personproximate the mailbox 14. In one or more embodiments, the wirelesssignals are one selected from a group of near field communicationsignals, global positioning signals and BLUETOOTH signals. In one ormore embodiments, the premises device 16 is configured to integrate withat least one electronic personal voice assistant for providing anaudible indication of the at least one alert. The personal voiceassistant may be located in and/or proximate premises 12. In one or moreembodiments, determining whether the mailbox event occurred includesanalyzing a frequency and timing of mailbox openings and closingsdetected by the at least one sensor 48.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a mailbox device 18according to some embodiments of the present invention. One or moreBlocks and/or functions performed by mailbox device 18 may be performedby one or more elements of mailbox device 18 such as by information unit46 in processing circuitry 40, processor 42, communication interface 38,access control unit 50, etc. In one or more embodiments, mailbox device18 such as via one or more of processing circuitry 40, processor 42 andcommunication interface 38 is configured to at least detect (Block S106)movement such as using one or more sensors 48. In one or moreembodiments, mailbox device 18 such as via one or more of processingcircuitry 40, processor 42 and communication interface 38 is configuredto communicate (Block S108) information including sensor informationgenerated by the at least one sensor 48.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary method according tosome embodiments of the present invention. One or more Blocks and/orfunctions of the method of FIG. 4 may be performed by one or moreelements of premises device 16 and/or mailbox device 18 such as bytriggering unit 32 in processing circuitry 26, processor 28,communication interface 24, information unit 46 in processing circuitry40, processor 42, communication interface 38, access control unit 50,etc. In one or more embodiments, premises device 16 and/or mailboxdevice 18 such as via one or more of triggering unit 32 in processingcircuitry 26, processor 28, communication interface 24, information unit46 in processing circuitry 40, processor 42, communication interface 38,and access control unit 50 is configured to detect (Block S110) movementin proximity to the mailbox. In one or more embodiments, mailbox device18 such as via one or more of processing circuitry 40, processor 42 andcommunication interface 38 is configured to communicate (Block S112) anindication of the detected movement to premises device 16. In one ormore embodiments, premises device 16 and/or mailbox device 18 such asvia one or more of triggering unit 32 in processing circuitry 26,processor 28, communication interface 24, information unit 46 inprocessing circuitry 40, processor 42, communication interface 38, andaccess control unit 50 is configured to determine (Block S114) if amailbox event has occurred based upon the indication of the detectedmovement. In one or more embodiments, premises device 16 and/or mailboxdevice 18 such as via one or more of triggering unit 32 in processingcircuitry 26, processor 28, communication interface 24, information unit46 in processing circuitry 40, processor 42, communication interface 38,and access control unit 50 is configured to trigger (Block S116) atleast one alert if a mailbox event occurred.

In one or more embodiments, opening and closing of the mailbox 14 isdetected and if a mailbox event has occurred is determined based uponthe detected opening and closing of the mailbox 14. In one or moreembodiments, the indication further comprises video captured by themailbox device 18. In one or more embodiments, the indication furthercomprises captured video of the exterior of the mailbox 14 and capturedvideo of the interior of the mailbox 14. In one or more embodiments, aperson proximate to the mailbox 14 is identified. In one or moreembodiments, identifying a person proximate to the mailbox 14 furthercomprises receiving a wireless signal that identifies the personproximate to the mailbox 14. In one or more embodiments, the methodcomprises sending an indication to at least one electronic personalvoice assistant to provide an audible indication of the at least onealert. In one or more embodiments, the method includes limiting accessto an interior of the mailbox 14 to authorized users.

One or more embodiments for communicating sensor information andtriggering an alert are further described below.

System 10 may include one or more of the following:

1. A sensor 48 to detect the opening and closure status of a mailbox 14.In some embodiments it is contemplated that the technology behind atraditional door/window sensor can be used to detect an open/closestatus of the mailbox 14;

2. A radio, e.g., communication interface 38, to wirelessly communicatethe open/close status of mailbox 14 to a receiver, e.g., communicationinterface 24;

3. A receiver (e.g., communication interface 24) which can translatethat signal into various communications that integrate with Internet ofThings (IoT) and home security and automation systems, such as ADTPulse, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, etc.; and

4. Optional attachments:

-   -   a. A video camera (e.g., type of sensor 48) which can be affixed        to the mailbox 14, that can communicate with the receiver, or        additional system run in parallel;    -   b. A visual output, such as light, that blinks when the mailbox        sensor 48 is opened/closed, or when other conditions are met;        and    -   c. A microphone (e.g., type of sensor 48) and/or speaker which        can be used to communicate with and record evidence of activity        at the mailbox 14;

The sensor 48 may be removably affixed to the mailbox 14, can detect theopen/close status of a mailbox 14, and relay that signal to a premisesdevice 16 within a home 12 or business, via wireless communication,which can then communicate with an IoT/security and automation system,to trigger a variety of events. The signal can also send notificationthrough mobile applications, such as via push notifications, on cellphones.

The video camera may be able to record video at the mailbox device 18 orcommunicate that video signal to a server where the video can be stored.This stored video can be used as evidence to identify a burglar and/orsolve a crime.

In one or more embodiments, by integrating the system 10 describedherein with one or more of these personal voice assistance speakers orother systems, various new functionality may be provided. For instance,when a mailbox has been opened, the user may receive an audible alert intheir home through a personal voice assistant speaker: “Your mail hasbeen delivered.” Or, the user could receive a mobile notification ontheir phone: “Your mail has been delivered.” Or, the user could receivea visual alert in their home: “Occupied room lights blink twice whenmail has been delivered,” for example, or, the user could receive videofootage on their phone of the mail delivery person delivering the mail.Further, this may provide notification and video evidence of a criminalstealing parcels from a mailbox.

In addition, by analyzing (e.g., at premises device 16) the frequencyand timing of mailbox door openings and closings (e.g., sensorinformation), the system can determine anomalies, which can then becommunicated to the user in one or more formats. The anomalies cansignal, for instance, when an unauthorized user has opened the mailbox.For example, if the mail delivery person usually delivers the mail at 12pm each day, but on a specific day the mailbox was opened twice between12 pm and 2 pm, the system 10 can determine that someone in addition tothe mail delivery person opened the mailbox. By receiving notificationof exceptions, users have the knowledge the user needs to act quicker.For example, the user can, for instance, contact the police withinseconds of their mailbox 14 contents being tampered with, whenotherwise, they could wait several days before they realized a valuableparcel was missing.

The system 10 can also tie in personal authentication, so the system 10can determine identity, which can provide additional contextualinformation, to help improve notification and determination of notableevents. Identity can be authenticated in a variety of ways, includingdetecting at mailbox device 18 one or more wireless communicationsignals such as Near Field Communication (NFC), GPS, and Bluetooth thatcan be used to identify a user, wireless device, etc. In such a case,the system 10 can determine that a specific individual checked the mail.The system 10 can send a personalized alert through a voice assistantspeaker or text message, “Bob (an authorized user) has picked up themail (no need to go check the mailbox)”. Additionally, since the system10 recognized “Bob”, the system 10 can be configured not to send anotification exception that an unauthorized person accessed the mailbox14.

As an additional method of collecting information (e.g., sensorinformation), a video camera can be attached to the system 10 to capturevideo footage. The video camera (e.g., type of sensor 48) can receive asignal to begin capturing video when the mailbox sensor opening istriggered or motion was detected, providing critical video evidence inthe case of unauthorized access. The video camera can also offer a “rollback” feature, so video evidence is captured before the open sensor istriggered. The video evidence can then be communicated to the user,providing crucial video evidence needed to reduce crime and theft ofpersonal property.

FIG. 5 is an example embodiment of system 10 in accordance with theprinciples of the invention. In one or more embodiments, mailbox device18 includes sensors 48 and a triggering element 52 such as a magnet orother type of switch that may be used to detect opening/closing of themailbox door. In one or more embodiments, mailbox device 18 and premisesdevice 16 are in 2-way communication with each other via respectivecommunication interfaces 24 and 38, that may be in communication withrespective transceivers, transmitter and/or receivers at respectivedevices 16 and 18. In one or more embodiments, premises device 16 isconfigured to integrate with one or more systems and/or devices such asone or more of home security and automation (HS&A) systems, Internet ofThings (IoT) systems, lighting systems, voice assistant speaker, mobilephones and video systems, among other systems located in and/orproximate premises 12. FIG. 6 is an example embodiment of mailbox 14 ofFIG. 5 in accordance with the principles of the invention.

FIG. 7 is another example embodiment of mailbox 14 in accordance withthe principles of the invention. In one or more embodiments, sensors 48may include a video camera (e.g., type of sensor 48) with a field ofview of the exterior of mailbox 14. In one or more embodiments, videocamera may be configured to capture video if open/close sensor 48 hasbeen triggered such as via separation of open/close sensor 48 and thetriggering element 52, e.g., magnet, and/or as triggered by mailboxdevice 18.

FIG. 8 is yet another example embodiment of mailbox 14 in accordancewith the principles of the invention. FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7 exceptthat a second video camera (e.g., sensor 48) is positioned with a fieldof view of the interior of mailbox 14. The first video camera and/orsecond video camera may be configured to capture video on the same ordifferent sensor event such as opening of the mailbox door. FIG. 9 is adetailed view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 where the respective field ofview is illustrated.

FIG. 10 is yet another example embodiment of mailbox 14 in accordancewith the principles of the invention. In one or more embodiments, thevideo cameras (i.e., sensors 48) are removably attached to door ofmailbox 14 as illustrated in FIG. 10 to provide interior or exteriorviews of the mailbox 14 as desired. The mailboxes of FIG. 10 may includeother sensors as described herein. FIG. 11 is a detailed illustration ofthe configuration of FIG. 10 where, in one or more embodiments, thevideo cameras are attached to a metal door of the mailbox 14 using anadhesive element 54 such as magnets.

The improved mailbox notification system 10 also provides a conveniencefeature—giving users improved knowledge of their environment—so that theusers can make informed decisions about their mail and mailbox 14. Usingsystem 10, users may no longer have to continuously check their mail,wondering if the mail person has arrived.

In one or more embodiments, with the Application Program Interfaces(APIs) of various systems, the mail notification system 10 could beintegrated with delivery organizations, such as the United States PostalServices, UPS, or FedEx, to provide two-way communications aboutoutgoing and incoming mail. Two-way communication between mailboxes 14(using system 10) and delivery organizations could provide newfunctionality based on system 10 such as users could notify UPS thattheir mailbox 14 has a package available for pickup, for example,creating a “secure local pickup” zone at homes and businesses throughoutthe country. For example, mailbox device 18 may communicate with one ormore delivery organizations (i.e., delivery organization server(s)) viapremises device 16 such that mailbox device may transmit and/or receivedata/information related to mail/package/article delivery. Similarly,premises device 16 may transmit and/or receive the information describedabove to/from the delivery organization(s) and/or other entities. In oneexample, a UPS delivery service server may notify premises device 16that a package is expected to be delivered on a predefined day such thatpremises device 16 may determine whether the package was received basedon sensor data received from mailbox device 18. In another example,premises device 16 may receive a notification from a deliveryorganization server that a package was delivered at a specific time. Inthis case, premises device 16 may analyze the sensors data at and/oraround the specific time indicated in the notification to determine if apackage has been received. The notification may include variousinformation that may be used for comparison to the sensor 48 data suchas dimensions, shape, color, etc. of the package, delivered location ofthe package (e.g., front door, next to mailbox, inside mailbox, etc.),among other information that can be used in one or more rules foranalysis of sensor data. The communication protocol(s) used forcommunication between mailbox device 18 and premises device 16 may bedifferent than the communication protocol(s) used between the premisesdevice 16 and one or more delivery organizations.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of another example embodiment of the mailbox 14 andmailbox device 18 having an access control unit 50 according to someembodiments of the present invention. In the shown embodiment, an accesscontrol unit 50 is affixed to the mailbox 14 which controls access andgrants entry to authorized persons. The access control unit 50 mayinclude a locking device that may be securely attached to the mailbox 14via a fastener, which can be in the form of screws, adhesive, ormagnets, etc. Once the locking device is attached to the mailbox 14, themailbox 14 door's open/close state may be restricted so that onlyauthorized persons are able to open the mailbox 14. The locking device,or “lock”, may be in the form of a mechanical lock, electro-magneticlock, or other locking mechanism in various embodiments. Mechanicallocks are mechanical devices which secure an opening by keeping a doorclosed until a release mechanism is activated, usually a lever, knob, orkey. An electromagnetic lock, magnetic lock, or maglock is a lockingdevice that consists of an electromagnet and an armature plate.Typically, the electromagnet portion of the lock is attached to the doorframe and a mating armature plate is attached to the door. The twocomponents may be in contact when the door is closed. When theelectromagnet is energized, a current passing through the electromagnetcreates a magnetic flux that causes the armature plate to attract to theelectromagnet, creating a locking action. Because the mating area of theelectromagnet and armature may be relatively large, the force created bythe magnetic flux may be strong enough to keep the door locked evenunder stress.

In an embodiment, the end user may be able to grant/revoke access to themailbox 14 via a web, mobile application, or other interface. Within theinterface, the user may be able to add/revoke permissions for a specificperson or group of people and may be able to select the types of accessmethods authorized for entry into that specific mailbox 14. A variety ofmethods can be used by access control unit 50 to lock/unlock the mailbox14, determine identity of the person(s) who is trying to access themailbox, and grant access to the mailbox.

In an embodiment, the end-user may be able to lock/unlock the mailbox 14in real-time from a mobile application, web portal, voice assistant, orother interface. In an embodiment, a physical key may be used todisengage the lock. In an embodiment, an ID card may be scanned at themailbox 14 to open it. In an embodiment, a sensor 48 is a video cameraattached to the mailbox 14 in which the video camera (or other computingdevice) may determine identity based on facial recognition or otherimage analyses, sending an “open” command to the access control unit 50if/when an authorized person's face is detected, or an authorized imageis detected, for example.

In an embodiment, the sensor 48 is a video camera attached to themailbox device 18, and may detect an identifier such as the USPS logo onthe side of a mail truck, video analytics may then determine a deliveryperson has arrived, and then the lock may automatically disengage if theend-used granted authorization via this access type (image analysisentry).

In an embodiment, geo-fencing services may be used to track the locationof the person needing access. Once the person has reached apre-determined distance from the mailbox 14, the locking device ofaccess control unit 50 may automatically disengage.

Near-field communication (NFC) may be utilized in accordance with anembodiment. Devices which utilize NFC may provide identityauthentication and unlock the mailbox 14 door. A variety of devices haveNFC-functionality already built in, including cell phones, tablets,smart watches, and vehicles, etc.

In an embodiment, other wireless communication technology, such asBluetooth or Wi-Fi, may be used for longer-range identityauthentication.

In an embodiment, the lock of access control unit 50 can be set tolock/unlock at specific times of the day, specific intervals, orspecific days of the week.

In an embodiment, other biometric authorization types can be used toverify identity, including fingerprint scanning, palm reading (veinrecognition), voice analysis, iris recognition, etc.

While authorized users may be granted access to the mailbox 14, thedetection of unauthorized users attempting to open a mailbox, tamperwith a mailbox, steal a mailbox, or loiter around a mailbox, may triggera variety of responses and deterrent effects. If someone tries to open amailbox 14 but they lack access due to any of the aforementionedauthentication methods and/or access control unit 50, that may beassumed to constitute detection of tampering or attempted unauthorizedaccess. Additionally, if the mailbox 14 is moved or the sensor 48, e.g.,video camera, determines an unauthorized person is loitering around themailbox, that may also be assumed to constitute tampering or detectionof unauthorized access. If an unauthorized user is detected tamperingwith or trying to access the mailbox 14, some or all the followingactions may result.

In an embodiment, a notification of the event may be sent to the enduser's phone, e-mail address, personal voice assistant, etc. Along withthe notification, a video clip, audio clip, or other contextualinformation may be shared with the end user, or others, so they can takeappropriate action.

In an embodiment, if elected by the end user, a notification, forexample by system 10, may be sent to a professional monitoring companyor directly to the police, which may lead to a quicker response andhigher likelihood of apprehending a suspect.

In an embodiment, a siren located in the mailbox security system 10 maysound. If a siren is also located in the user's home or business 12, andthe mailbox system 10 is integrated with the home or business's securitysystem, the home or business siren may sound. Additionally, if themailbox system 10 is integrated with the home or business's security andautomation system, other actions may be triggered, for example, outsideflood lights may turn on or outside security cameras may begin recordingvideo if an unauthorized access attempt is detected.

In an embodiment, a pre-recorded audio message may play through aspeaker. For example, a “An unauthorized attempt to access this mailboxhas been detected. Please step away from the mailbox. Authorities havebeen notified”, message may be produced by the speaker.

In an embodiment, a strobe light attached to the mailbox 14, or attachedto the home or business 12, may be triggered, providing a visual warningthat an unauthorized access attempt was detected.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the conceptsdescribed herein may be embodied as a method, data processing system,computer program product and/or computer storage media storing anexecutable computer program. Accordingly, the concepts described hereinmay take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirelysoftware embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardwareaspects all generally referred to herein as a “circuit” or “module”. Anyprocess, step, action and/or functionality described herein may beperformed by, and/or associated to, a corresponding module, which may beimplemented in software and/or firmware and/or hardware. Furthermore,the invention may take the form of a computer program product on atangible computer usable storage medium having computer program codeembodied in the medium that can be executed by a computer. Any suitabletangible computer readable medium may be utilized including hard disks,CD-ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, ormagnetic storage devices.

Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, systems and computerprogram products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer (to therebycreate a special purpose computer), special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer orother programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable memory or storage medium that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablememory produce an article of manufacture including instruction meanswhich implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

It is to be understood that the functions/acts noted in the blocks mayoccur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. Forexample, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executedsubstantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed inthe reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.Although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths toshow a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood thatcommunication may occur in the opposite direction to the depictedarrows.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the conceptsdescribed herein may be written in an object oriented programminglanguage such as Java® or C++. However, the computer program code forcarrying out operations of the invention may also be written inconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language. The program code may execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, theremote computer may be connected to the user's computer through a localarea network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection maybe made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet usingan Internet Service Provider).

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connectionwith the above description and the drawings. It will be understood thatit would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe andillustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments.Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/orcombination, and the present specification, including the drawings,shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of allcombinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein,and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shallsupport claims to any such combination or subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that theembodiments described herein are not limited to what has beenparticularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unlessmention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all ofthe accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modificationsand variations are possible in light of the above teachings withoutdeparting from the scope of the following claims

What is claimed is:
 1. A premises security system for monitoring amailbox, the premises security system comprising: a mailbox deviceincluding: at least one sensor, each of the at least one sensorconfigured to generate corresponding sensor information; a mailboxcommunication interface configured to communicate information includingthe sensor information generated by the at least one sensor; and apremises device in communication with the mailbox device, the premisesdevice including: a premises communication interface configured toreceive the sensor information from the mailbox device; and processingcircuitry configured to: determine, based on mailbox alert criteriawhether a mailbox event has occurred by analyzing a frequency and timingof mailbox openings and closings detected by the at least one sensor;and trigger at least one response action based at least in part onwhether the mailbox event has occurred.
 2. The premises security systemof claim 1, wherein the mailbox device further includes at least onevideo capture device, the sensor information communicated to thepremises device including video captured by the at least one videocapture device.
 3. The premises security system of claim 2, wherein theat least one video capture device includes a first video capture deviceconfigured to capture video of an exterior of the mailbox and a secondvideo capture device configured to capture video of an interior of themailbox.
 4. The premises security system of claim 1, wherein the mailboxcommunication interface is further configured to receive wirelesssignals for identifying a person proximate to the mailbox.
 5. Thepremises security system of claim 4, wherein the wireless signals are atleast one of near field communication signals, global positioningsignals and BLUETOOTH signals.
 6. The premises security system of claim1, wherein the premises device is configured to integrate with at leastan electronic personal voice assistant for providing an audibleindication of the at least one response action, the at least oneresponse action being an alert.
 7. The premises security system of claim1, further comprising an access control unit affixed to the mailboxwhich limits access to the mailbox.
 8. A mailbox device for monitoring amailbox, the mailbox device comprising: at least one sensor, the atleast one sensor configured to detect at least one action associatedwith the mailbox and generate corresponding sensor information; and atleast one optical device configured to capture optical information in aresponse to the sensor information of the at least one sensor; and amailbox communication interface configured to communicate informationincluding the sensor information generated by the at least one sensor;and processing circuitry in communication with at least one of the atleast one sensor and the at least one optical device, the processingcircuitry configured to: determine whether a mailbox event has occurredby analyzing a frequency and timing of the at least one actionassociated with the mailbox detected by the at least one sensor, the atleast one action being any one of an opening and a closing of themailbox; and trigger at least one response action based at least in parton whether the mailbox event has occurred.
 9. The mailbox device ofclaim 8, wherein the at least one optical device includes a first videocapture device configured to capture video of an exterior of the mailboxand a second video capture device configured to capture video of aninterior of the mailbox.
 10. The mailbox device of claim 8, wherein themailbox communication interface is further configured to receivewireless signals for identifying a person proximate to the mailbox, thewireless signals including at least one of near field communicationsignals, global positioning signals and BLUETOOTH signals.
 11. Themailbox device of claim 8, wherein the mailbox device is configured tointegrate with at least one electronic personal voice assistant forproviding an audible indication of the at least one response action, themailbox device further including an access control unit affixed to themailbox which limits access to the mailbox.
 12. A method of monitoring amailbox, the method comprising: detecting an action associated with themailbox; communicating an indication of the detected action to apremises device; determining whether a mailbox event has occurred basedat least in part on: the indication of the detected action; and analysisof a frequency and timing of mailbox openings and closings; andtriggering at least one response action based at least in part onwhether the mailbox event has occurred.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the detected action associated with the mailbox is anyone of amovement in proximity to the mailbox, an opening of the mailbox, and aclosing of the mailbox.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein theindication further comprises video captured by a mailbox device.
 15. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the indication further comprises capturedvideo of an exterior of the mailbox and captured video of an interior ofthe mailbox.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein detecting the actionassociated with the mailbox includes identifying a person proximate tothe mailbox.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein identifying a personproximate to the mailbox further comprises receiving a wireless signalthat identifies the person proximate to the mailbox.
 18. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising: sending another indication to at least oneelectronic personal voice assistant to provide an audible indication ofthe at least one response action; and limiting access to an interior ofthe mailbox to authorized users.